Maltbarn Bar & Restaurant
Location: Glenfiddich Distillery, Dufftown, Scotland
Client: William Grant & Sons
Type: Public | Completed: 2012
Materials: Oak and Leather furniture, Epoxy Resin, Slate & Stone
Features: Showcase furniture for rare bottles, Bespoke ash bar, LED lighting integration, Helical staircase design
Our client’s brief:
The brief was to design and fit out the first building constructed by William Grant & Sons, transforming it into a space that evokes the warmth and charm of a traditional bar. The design allows guests to enjoy exclusive site-specific malts, with an upper-level meeting area, reception space, and a restaurant, all seamlessly integrated into the historic setting.
Original concept for Maltbarn Bar - Elevation and Plan Drawing
The core brief centred around creating a traditional Scottish whisky bar, and our design concept was inspired by whisky's deep-rooted connection to time and tradition. We began with a design motif based on Glenfiddich’s iconic 12, 15, 18, and 21-year-old whiskies, with the clock representing the passage of time in the whisky-making process.
The bar itself is crafted from oak and epoxy resin, allowing LED lighting to shine through, creating a warm, inviting glow. The gantry wall features stone and slate, complemented by interlocking oak shelving, all working harmoniously to create a space that reflects the rich heritage of the Glenfiddich whisky.
One of the primary design challenges was incorporating a fluid, helical spiral staircase into the space, ensuring a seamless transition between the bar and restaurant area and the upper-level meeting space. The staircase had to integrate smoothly with the overall aesthetic while also being practical and compliant with building regulations, particularly due to its placement in a public area. The design successfully balanced functionality with visual appeal, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for meetings, social gatherings, and dining experiences.
This early bar design we did for the same project is worth mentioning, as it showcases our distinctive curved profile. The bar features a striking curved front, beautifully crafted with oak and subtle epoxy resin details. The resin gently flows through the oak, highlighting the natural grain and adding a refined, modern touch, while still complementing the natural beauty of the wood. The design also incorporates random-width paneling, creating a dynamic, textured quality that enhances the natural warmth and elegance of the materials. The bar is held by a solid stone plinth, grounding the design with a sense of strength and timeless sophistication, all whilst using primarily natural materials.
